With the start of the New Year, employers will be finalizing their salary budgets for 2009. Many survey vendors collected, compiled and analyzed data regarding merit increases for 2009 and reported that merit budgets for 2009 were on track to remain consistent with previous years' averaging at around the 3.5% mark. As more economic turmoil surfaced toward year end, some organizations took a new look at merit budget plans for 2009 as we discussed in the article Pay Increases in 2009 May Disappoint Workers in our December 30th newsletter. Most employers are being cautious, pre... view article details

Dear Annette,I found a colleague's resume in the copy machine and noticed that he lists some of my responsibilities as his own. I don't want him to get away with this, but I don't think it's common knowledge that he's looking for a new job, so I don't want to report it to our supervisor. What should I do?Feeling Betrayed in Baton RougeDear Betrayed,Anyone who has ever been lampooned, made-for-TV-movie'd, made into a voodoo doll, or imitated in any other way has felt the simultaneous flattery and consternation of seeing his or her work or characteristics represented by another. So I suspect you... view article details

Job interviews are stressful. But if you're unemployed and really need a job to support yourself or your family, it's not uncommon to accept a lower salary offer you wouldn't ordinarily accept. In this week's 'Ask the Salary Expert' mailbag, career coach and our salary expert Jack Chapman helps out someone who agreed to a lower salary than was discussed, but now wants to fix the situation. Is it too late? If not, how do you bring it up without stepping on anyone's toes? It's a subject filled with potential landmines, but Jack has solutions that will prevent things from blowing up in your face.... view article details

Question:I accepted an offer lower than what the CIO officer told me. After a couple of months, I scheduled a meeting with the CIO asking for a salary increase based on his initial offer. Was this the correct approach?Answer:No, this was the incorrect approach. Here's why:Salary-Making Rule #1 says “Postpone salary until they’re serious about making you an offer.” So one side of that rule is to postpone, and the corollary to that rule is when they are ready to make you an offer—that is the time to talk about salary. Don’t hope it will change or get better by accident, over time or however you ... view article details

Dear Annette,I found a colleague's resume in the copy machine and noticed that he lists some of my responsibilities as his own. I don't want him to get away with this, but I don't think it's common knowledge that he's looking for a new job, so I don't want to report it to our supervisor. What should I do?Feeling Betrayed in Baton RougeDear Betrayed,Anyone who has ever been lampooned, made-for-TV-movie'd, made into a voodoo doll, or imitated in any other way has felt the simultaneous flattery and consternation of seeing his or her work or characteristics represented by another. So I suspect you... view article details

Dear Annette,My coworker and I work very closely and constantly share information and results. Our offices are right next to each other. We email each other constantly. Lately I've been getting the cold shoulder, and have finally learned why. Apparently he’s frustrated because I send him email messages that have just an attachment and a subject line. Am I supposed to put smiley faces on all my internal correspondence? Frowny Face Dear Frowny Face,Email customs seem to stimulate the amateur documentary filmmaker in all of us, and I'm certainly no exception. It can be fascinating to read all the... view article details

Dear Annette,I know you're not supposed to burn bridges, but I'm so tempted to tell my former employer what they can do with their pink slip. Is it ever OK to act out when leaving a company?Disgusted in DallasDear Dallas,On a hot California day, down by my private beach, I love to have my People hire an upcoming international design sensation to build split-level sandcastles with marvelous feng shui while I sip something bitter and refreshing from the Far East, hoping my straw hat doesn't blow away. Invariably, as my dog Dickie supervises the construction crew, my thoughts turn to the 1957 cla... view article details

If you are like most people in the midst of a job search, you probably haven’t given your references much thought. You’ve likely spent more time on your resume, cover letter and networking activities. But references can have a significant impact on the final hiring decision. You need to be ready at a moment’s notice to provide potential employers with at least three solid references.Human resource managers almost always ask for references when they are seriously considering someone for a position. You want to make sure that you provide a list of individuals that will speak about you in a posit... view article details

The Severance PackageIf your company goes out of business, don't be surprised if there is no severance pay. Going out of business and running out of cash are practically synonymous. Once in a while a failing business closes down with some money left in the bank - but those funds are usually returned to the investors who provided them.Severance pay, after all, is as much a signal to the employees who remain behind as it is a gesture of goodwill to those being let go. If the company disappears, it doesn't need to preserve goodwill with its former staff. Yet established companies that intend to r... view article details

'You need to devise a savings strategy that maxmizes your return. What's the best place for your savings? Knowing about the various options can help you build greater wealth for the future.'   Money Markets and CDs   Personal savings is the base of your financial pyramid. It is the foundation of your family's well-being and it's your starting point to building wealth. Starting a sound savings program isn't difficult, but it takes some thinking, planning, and commitment. Your first savings priority should be to build the money you'll want on hand for immediate and short-term needs. This money c... view article details